In 2012, Modeste endured a disappointing spell on loan at Blackburn Rovers where he failed to score in nine Premier League appearances, but he has since gone on to build a glowing reputation in Germany.

In two seasons at FC Koln, he has netted 45 goals in all competitions and according to Expressen, that has attracted interest from Tianjin.

They have previously been linked with a big-money move for Chelsea striker Diego Costa but despite missing out on the Blues star, it appears that they remain intent on shelling out a sizeable fee for a European-based forward.

It has been claimed that they will pay €35m (£30.86m) in order to sign the 29-year-old, who has also represented Hoffenheim, Bastia and Bordeaux.